AN EXTRA special new year began with delight for seven couples at Ipswich Hospital.The first of the seven new babies born yesterday arrived at 4.35am.

AN EXTRA special new year began with delight for seven couples at Ipswich Hospital.

The first of the seven new babies born yesterday arrived at 4.35am.

Georgina and Jamie Strutt were celebrating the arrival of a boy at 4.35am, weighing at 7lb 15oz, a brother for 16-month-old Algie.

The couple, from East Bergholt, said the birth of their son – who has not yet been named – was fantastic news and at least a week earlier than expected.

Darren and Sally Kirby, from Ipswich, were overjoyed at baby Ella's arrival in the world at 6.18am, weighing 8lb 3oz, although their daughter was born about two-and-a-half weeks late.

Mr Kirby, a 37-year-old who works for the air force, and his wife, a 32-year-old Ipswich Borough Council worker, were especially thrilled as it was also his birthday yesterday.

"This is fantastic, what can you say, I am completely made up. Ella is a great birthday present, the best I could want, this is lovely," said Mr Kirby.

Amaury and Amanda Magotte, from Woodbridge, had a little girl at 11.08am, weighing 5lb 9oz. The couple, both teachers aged in their mid-30s, have not named her yet, but were delighted at the birth of their first child.

Mr Magotte said: "I am so excited, we did not know if it was a boy or a girl. I actually jumped for joy when I heard."

Felixstowe couple, Sonia and Nuri Taghdi, were celebrating the birth of baby Aisha at 10.26am, weighing 7lb 9oz, a week later than expected. The new arrival was a sister for Hannah, four, and the whole family said they were thrilled.

Mrs Taghdi, a shipping clerk, added: "It's a good day and a nice start to the New Year. We want to say a big thank you to all the staff, especially are midwife Joy Tregear."

Kirsty Irvine and Laurence Last, from Alderton, were delighted at the arrival of a baby boy at 11.04am, weighing 8lb 4oz. A sister for three-year-old Emily, he has not been named him yet.

Julie and Colin Sneddon, from Ipswich, had a baby girl at 4.45am, weighing 8lb 8oz, but also have not decided on a name yet.

One couple from Baylham, near Ipswich, who asked not to be named, also had a baby on New Year's Day. Their newborn son, Arthur, weighed 6lb 12oz and was born at 11.35am, four days earlier than expected.